“We will spring major surprises in the coming election and these candidates will hopefully save Sarawak and Sarawakians from rampant corruption in the system.

“I feel happy because these candidates proposed by the state leadership appear to be ones with integrity and credibility,” he said.

Azmin also added that PKR will not field candidates in Pakan, Marudi and and one other constituency out of respect for the spirit of Pakatan Rakyat. These three constituencies will see candidates from Sarawak Nation Party (Snap) taking on BN.

However, Snap and PKR are set to face each other in 24 other seats, making a three-cornered fight highly possible with BN.

On Snap seat talk impasse, Azmin said: “In our last meeting, Snap was so persistent in wanting to contest in 27 majority constituencies, never giving us any space for negotiation.

“They also wanted PKR Iban candidates to contest on a Snap ticket. This could not be considered as PKR is a multiracial party, representing not only Melanau, Malays, Chinese, but also Bidayuhs, Ibans, Murut and Kadayans.”

Azmin said that both Snap and PKR mutually agreed that the two parties have to base their candidates on the ‘winnability’ factor such as the credibility of the candidates.

“On that score, I think PKR candidates are the best and the ones that can spring up surprises. However, we leave it to the people of Sarawak to make a decision on April 16,” he added.

On the Pakatan front, apart from PKR’s 48 seats and the three allocated for Snap, DAP will be contesting in 15 seats, where 14 of those contests are expected to be straight fights with Chinese-based SUPP candidates. PAS will contest in five seats and is expected to name its candidates by tomorrow.

Pakatan’s wish to see straight fights with BN has been scuppered by Snap’s decision to also stand in 24 seats taken up by PKR. BN will contest in all 71 seats. A handful of independents are also expected to contest.